Abibat Ibrahim mine gold as Kwara athletes light up Abuja Para Games

...Yahaya sets the pace in Para Badminton

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye in Abuja 

 

 

Abibat Ibrahim delivered a commanding performance to clinch gold in the women’s Class 8 table tennis event at the ongoing 2026 Para Games in Abuja, capping a dominant run with a straight-sets 2-0 victory over her Abia State opponent.

The in-form star barely dropped a set throughout the competition, having earlier dispatched her Bayelsa rival by the same 2-0 margin. 

In the final, she showcased precision, control, and confidence to seal the top spot and underline her status as one of the standout athletes of the Games.

Kwara’s presence was also felt across other table tennis events. 

Ganiyu Yunusa battled his way to a bronze medal in the men’s Class 1-3 category, adding to the state’s growing medal tally.

Meanwhile, Taofiq Azeez’s campaign ended in the quarterfinals after a tough loss to Abia.

Aminat Adisa kept the momentum going in the women’s Class 6-7 division. 

She edged past Bayelsa 2-1 in a gripping encounter to reach the semifinals, before falling 0-2 to Rivers in the final. 

Her efforts, however, earned her a well-deserved bronze medal.

Over at the para-badminton courts, Kwara wasted no time making a statement as Ayuba Yahaya powered to a straight-sets victory in his opening SL4 match against Plateau State.

Following a delayed start due to technical meetings and classification processes, the badminton event burst into life and Yahaya seized the moment. With sharp movement and clinical execution, he outclassed his opponent to hand Kwara an early advantage in the round-robin format.

Kwara’s para-badminton squad, featuring Bolaji Eniola Mariam (SL3), alongside Olanrewaju Precious and Yahaya (SL4), is now firmly in the spotlight, with expectations high for more podium finishes.

With gold already secured and strong starts across multiple events, Kwara athletes are emerging as serious contenders, turning the Abuja Para Games into a showcase of resilience, talent, and winning spirit.